Savory Seared Beef with Tender Broccoli

1. Marinate the Beef

Combine the sliced beef with 3 tablespoons of water, 0.25 teaspoon of baking soda if you’re using it, 1.5 teaspoons of cornstarch, 2 teaspoons of neutral oil, and 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce. Mix everything together until the beef has absorbed the liquid. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together 0.67 cup of heated low-sodium chicken stock, 1.5 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1.5 teaspoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, 0.5 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, and 0.125 teaspoon of white pepper powder.

3. Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and let them cook for 30 to 60 seconds. Drain the broccoli using a colander and set aside.

4. Sear the Beef

Heat a wok over high heat until it’s very hot, then add the marinated beef. Sear the beef for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.

5. Assemble the Dish

In the same wok, heat 3 tablespoons of neutral oil. Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and 0.25 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger if you’re using it. Stir-fry briefly until aromatic. Add 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine and pour in the prepared sauce. Mix 2.5 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, and then stir this into the sauce to thicken it. Return the broccoli and beef to the wok, mixing everything together so the sauce coats evenly. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened.